Tuba Tuesday: Distin, B flat euphonium, 3 piston, c.1904

[bisontuba]

Happy Tuba Tuesday. The Museum features a Distin, B flat euphonium, 3 piston, c.1904.

Serial #: 18256

Bell Diameter 11.5”, Bore Size .560, Height 26”.

Comments:

“SUPERIOR / (picture of eagle holding euphonium with illegible writing around it) / HENRY DISTIN MFG. CO. / MAKERS / WILLIAMSPORT Pa. / HIGHEST GRADE / 15927” on bell. Ornate floral engraving on bell around identification marks.



https://simonettitubacollection.com/ins ... -3-piston/

[humBell]

Someone recently was telling me ya go by the serial numberon the bell.

I forget why, though.

And because i wasn't paying attention, i'm not sure i have a reason. I do actually wonder if they are two different sets of serial numbers, or part of the same series of numbers...

[bisontuba]

I was told that the valve section was made in one part of the shop and a serial number was added...the rest of the horn was made in a different part of the factory and a serial number was added...

[York-aholic]

I have a Lyon & Healy that has 377 as a serial number on the velve set. The bell has 377 on the bell, but has a 2 tacked on the end, just a tiny bit off kilter to make 3772. My working theory is that the horn was made as 377 (c.1900), but for some reason either didn't leave the factory or was returned and after some alterations/repairs/whatevers was re-released as 3772 (c.1904) but of course they wouldn't want to stamp the 2 into the valve casing.

This theory is strengthened by the fact that the 3rd partial F was so flat that my turner thought it was an E. That 6/4 had the most magnificent tone/sound though. It made a good bell donor. :-)

[arpthark]

Interesting, i did not know this. If bell serial is the correct one, my Distin Eb is from 1893. If valveset, 1891-2.

[windshieldbug]

I was told that the valve section was made in one part of the shop and a serial number was added...the rest of the horn was made in a different part of the factory and a serial number was added...

As long as you have two sets of numbers the bell is the most unique part of the horn. The same size valves may be used in several types of horns, so they built-to-stock the valve blocks.

[bloke]

Why could not have someone put two busted same-make instruments together to make one good one...

...as if that's never done...